Protests – Dozens Injured as Shahbagh Clash Turns Violent

  Protests – At least 50 people, among them several journalists, were hurt after violent confrontations erupted between police and activists of Inqilab Mancha in the Shahbagh area of Dhaka late Friday evening.

Confrontation Erupts at Key Intersection

The clashes began shortly before 8 p.m. when law enforcement officers attempted to disperse demonstrators occupying the busy Shahbagh intersection. According to reports published by The Dhaka Tribune, tensions had been building since the afternoon as protesters gathered to demand justice for the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi. They also called for an investigation led by the United Nations into the circumstances surrounding his death.

Police moved in to clear the roadway after the crowd refused to vacate the area. Witnesses said officers used batons, fired tear gas shells and deployed sound grenades in an effort to break up the assembly. Protesters responded by regrouping and attempting to push past security cordons, leading to repeated scuffles that lasted for more than an hour.

March Toward Jamuna Sparks Further Tension

Earlier in the day, activists had assembled in Shahbagh following Friday prayers. From there, they marched toward Jamuna, the official residence of Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus.

As the procession advanced, demonstrators breached police barricades set up near the InterContinental intersection. Security personnel then intervened to prevent them from proceeding further. Eyewitness accounts indicate that the situation quickly escalated, with officers dispersing the crowd using crowd-control measures. Sporadic chasing between protesters and police continued until around 9 p.m., leaving dozens injured.

Media Offices Placed Under Heightened Security

In the aftermath of the unrest, authorities tightened security around the offices of prominent newspapers in the capital. Extra protection was deployed outside The Daily Star and Prothom Alo following reports of violent encounters near the InterContinental intersection.

The precautionary steps revived memories of an incident last December when the offices of both newspapers were attacked, vandalised and set on fire after the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, who was serving as convener of Inquilab Mancha at the time. In that case, a complaint was filed naming hundreds of individuals, and law enforcement later detained 28 suspects in connection with the violence.

Journalists Report Assaults During Coverage

The latest clashes have drawn sharp criticism from journalist groups, who say media professionals faced intimidation while reporting on the protests. The Dhaka University Journalists’ Association issued a statement condemning what it described as assaults on reporters carrying out their duties.

According to the association, several journalists were injured during the confrontation, including Abu Saleh Musa, a correspondent for Jugantor. The group alleged that some members of the security forces obstructed reporters, physically attacked them and damaged their equipment.

Calling the incidents a grave threat to press freedom, the association demanded a prompt investigation and accountability for those responsible. It described the alleged actions as unconstitutional and said interference with journalists undermines the independence of the media at a critical time.

Rising Concerns Over Safety and Stability

The unrest comes against the backdrop of growing anxiety among journalists in Bangladesh. Media professionals have reported increasing pressure and threats over the past year, particularly since the interim administration assumed office. Friday’s events have intensified concerns about the safety of reporters covering politically sensitive demonstrations.

Authorities have yet to release a detailed statement on the injuries or allegations raised by journalist groups. However, the scale of the clashes and the number of those hurt underline the volatile atmosphere surrounding the protests.

As investigations into the incident continue, rights advocates and media organisations are closely watching developments. The events in Shahbagh have once again highlighted the fragile balance between maintaining public order and safeguarding democratic freedoms, including the right to peaceful protest and independent reporting.